Utterances of the Prayer
Mr Javed Ahmed Ghamidi has classified the rituals that are offered in a salah (prayer) into two categories, the practices (‘amal) and the utterances (adhkar). In the prayer, utterances wield as much importance as the practices observed, and perhaps more as these reflect a dialogue between man and His Master. In this article, besides enumerating the ceremonial utterances, Mr Ghamidi has also quoted various supplications of the Holy Prophet (sws) which he used to make during his prayer. The choice of words of these supplications is so pithy, appropriate and effective that one can get totally absorbed in the aura they create.
British and Muslim?
To embrace a new faith is to open up a whole array of questions. Of all these questions, the issue of identity is indeed the fundamental one. Most issues that the converts have to face stem from their failure in defining who they are. Mr Abdul Hakim Murad has discussed this general problem of identity in the specific context of British Muslims, and proposed a new perspective to facilitate their process of self-definition.
In fact, he addresses the question in its historical perspective; he analyses Muslim history and shows to the audience the successful approach Muslims have always adopted to tackle the identity problem. He establishes that Islam is a universal religion, which never needed to Arabize the converts in contrast to Christianity that always brought Europeanization along with Christianization.
Radical New Views of Islam and the Origins of the Qur’an
The Holy Qur’an has been at the heart of Orientalism ever since its inception. Since Muslims believe that the text of the Qur’an has been transmitted through ijma‘ (consensus) and tawatur (generation to generation transfer), its authenticity is beyond doubt. The Orientalists, however, have taken quite a contrary view to the provenance of the Holy Book. This article discusses various views on the origin of the Qur’an and the historical development of the Qur’anic text.
Is the Qur’an a Word of God?
How can the authenticity of the Holy Qur’an be established is the focal point of this discussion. The participants try and vie to present lucid arguments that substantiate the authenticity of the Holy Book.
Your Questions Answered
Dr Khalid Zahir answers questions on halal and haram food, difference between a mushrik and ahl-i kitab, the Biblical portrayal of different prophets, Islamic society and the fate of those who leave Islam.
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